Decision Tree for Personal Lightning Safety

by Richard Kithil, President &CEO, NLSI

NLSI recommends that all organizations prepare a Lightning Safety Plan
and inform all personnel of its contents. In a sentence, lightning safety
is "anticipating a high-risk situation and moving to a low-risk location."
Lightning Safety Plans should be site-specific, but they all share a common
outline:

1. Advanced warning of the hazard. Some options:

1.1 "If you can see it, flee it; If you can hear it, clear it."

1.2 TV Weather Channel; NOAA Weather Radio

1.3 Fancy lightning detectors; off-site meteorological services

2. Make decision to suspend activities and notify people when hearing thunder.

2.1 Notify people via radio, siren or other means.

3. Move to safe location.

3.1 A large permanent building or metal vehicle is best.

3.2 Unsafe places are near metal or water; under trees;
on hills; near electrical/electronics equipment.

4. Reassess the hazard.

Its usually safe after no thunder and no lightning have been
observed for thirty minutes. Be conservative here.